Overview

• Bhiwandi taluka police detained James Watson, 58, an American staying in Thane, along with Sainath Ganpati Sarpe, 42, and Manoj Govind Kolha, 35.
• The FIR says a gathering outside Kolha’s home in Chimbipada drew about 30–35 villagers where prayers were held and religious literature was distributed.
• According to the complaint, speakers described Hinduism as based on blind faith and said converting to Christianity would bring happiness, prosperity, and cure illnesses.
• The complaint alleges the trio asked about sick children, recorded the names of four girls, and that Watson placed his hands on their foreheads claiming healing through divine power.
• Police booked the accused under BNS sections 299 and 302, the Foreigners Act for alleged visa violations, and Maharashtra’s anti-black magic law, and said the investigation is ongoing.